- Description
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School Nurses are the lead public health professional for school aged children, taking over from the Health Visitor on the child's 5th birthday.
They work in partnership with families and other professionals to promote the health of all children and to support children with health needs in the school environment. This includes care planning with schools and parent carers to ensure the needs of children with diagnosed conditions are met.
Care packages and services are also offered for other health needs such as weight management, bed wetting, hearing and vision assessments, and emotional well-being.
The School Nursing Service supports all mainstream primary and secondary schools in Southend, the 4 private schools and Electively Home Educated children and young people aged 5 to 19.
The team run community health clinics for children aged 5 to 11 who are being educated in Southend, and also attend SEND Surgeries where parent carers can drop-in and see them for information and advice.
A separate Specialist School Nursing Service provides support for children and young people who attend special schools.
Duty service
The School Nursing team offer a duty service Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm for families, school staff and partner agencies to ensure that access to advice, guidance and support is available.
It is managed by a registered senior nurse who will be available to answer any questions, queries, or referrals made via telephone.
ChatHealth
ChatHealth is a secure and confidential text messaging service provided by the Southend School Nursing Service.
The service enables young people to easily and anonymously get in touch with a School Nurse for advice and support regarding mental health, sexual health, bullying, drugs, alcohol, self-harm, relationships, smoking and any other physical health or emotional well-being issue.
Young people can text 07520 649895.
Parent carers of children aged 5 to 19 can also contact the service for advice and support with a variety of health issues including growth and development, emotional wellbeing, growing up, sleep, Immunisations, toileting, and healthy lifestyles.
Parent carers can text 07507 331884.
This service is available Monday to Friday (excluding Bank holidays) 9.30am to 4.30pm.
- Phone
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Duty service: 01702 534911
ChatHealth for young people: text 07520 649895
ChatHealth for parent carers: text 07507 331884
- Links
- Address
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Office adress: School Nursing, Department of Public Health, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ER.
Contact the team for details of any community based clinics.
- Date and time
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Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (except Bank Holidays).
- Referral notes
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Referrals can be made by phone or email or via a School Nurse referral form which is available in schools.
Referrals can be made by professionals and parents.
For Electively Home Educated children and young people, an appointment can be arranged by texting ChatHealth or calling the team on 01702 534843.
- Age range
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5 to 19
